Engadget

LoveFilm signs multi-year digital deal with NBCUniversal, looks Kick Ass

James Trew — Wed, 30 May 2012 06:38:00 EST

LoveFilm is living by its name, and snapping up more movie content for its online service. The latest signing? NBCUniversal. So, if you're a paid up member, this means you'll now get exclusive access to the latest Universal Pictures flicks during the second "pay window" (i.e. once the subscription movie channels have had their time with them.) So if you were hovering over the streaming only option, or undecided on which service to go for, maybe this will help you along with that decision?

Continue reading LoveFilm signs multi-year digital deal with NBCUniversal, looks Kick Ass

LoveFilm signs multi-year digital deal with NBCUniversal, looks Kick Ass originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 May 2012 06:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NBC lays out 2012 London Olympics broadcast plan on TV, internet, apps and in 3D (video)

Richard Lawler — Sun, 27 May 2012 14:58:00 EST

Love it or hate it, we're stuck with NBC as our Olympics broadcaster in the US, and the company recently laid out its full plans for the 2012 Olympics in London this summer. The good news first: NBCOlympics.com will live stream every single event (they'll even be on YouTube, and in the UK the BBC has its own plans) for the first time ever including streams of each of its channels, encompassing 3,500 total hours and the awarding of all 302 medals. The bad news is that if you're not a cable subscriber, many of those hours will not be available to you, and even if you are, you're looking at a (likely convoluted) authentication sign-in process. That's a little bit of pain, sure, but it should mean what we've been asking for -- the ability to watch all Olympics events as they happen, not tape delayed for prime time after viewing grainy bootleg streams over the internet. Also new for the internet are multiple streams for the same event, so for example, viewers can select a particular gymnastics apparatus or track and field event at will.

On mobile devices, NBC also has plans for two different apps on phones and tablets, with one that brings live video streams and another with highlight clips. It didn't specify what platforms they would be available for, but we'd assume the usual suspects (iOS, Android) will be first up. On pay-TV cable, satellite and telco providers it's also providing dedicated channels for basketball and soccer, although it's up to your provider to pick them up. The same goes for the 242 planned hours of 3D coverage it's producing in partnership with Panasonic, which will unfortunately air on 24 hour tape delay, just like the HD broadcast was back in 2004 (we've got chips.... and salsa!). For the full breakdown of all 5,535 hours of coverage across NBC, MSNBC, CNBC, Bravo, Telemundo and everything else check out the press release after the break, plus an Olympics preview trailer. While there are some limits for cord cutters, sports fans with pay-TV should be ready to experience the best Olympics coverage ever with the ability to watch what we want, instead just what's on the TV schedule.

Continue reading NBC lays out 2012 London Olympics broadcast plan on TV, internet, apps and in 3D (video)

NBC lays out 2012 London Olympics broadcast plan on TV, internet, apps and in 3D (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 27 May 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Engadget Giveaway: win a Sony 40-inch 1080p HDTV, courtesy of The Grey on Blu-ray and DVD

Brad Molen — Fri, 11 May 2012 13:01:00 EST

It's movie time, folks. The bad news is that you have to bring your own popcorn. The good news, on the other hand, is that the feature film and the TV are on us! Thanks to the folks at Universal Studios Home Entertainment, there's a 40-inch 1080p HDTV up for grabs. The occasion is the studio's release of The Grey, starring Liam Neeson, on Blu-ray this coming Tuesday May 15th. If you're the lucky winner, however, you won't even have to venture out to stores to pick up a copy of your own -- one will come included with the TV! Unfortunately, there's one additional restriction this time around: only US residents are able to enter. But if you qualify, head below and leave a comment, and good luck!

Continue reading Engadget Giveaway: win a Sony 40-inch 1080p HDTV, courtesy of The Grey on Blu-ray and DVD

Engadget Giveaway: win a Sony 40-inch 1080p HDTV, courtesy of The Grey on Blu-ray and DVD originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 May 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NBC News grows a digital publishing arm, plans 30 titles for 2012

Joseph Volpe — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:15:00 EST

Because you can never have your fingers in too many media pies, the powers that be at NBC News are now extending their reach into the eReader space. Under the company's newly minted NBC Publishing imprint, coverage related to current events, docs and bios, in addition to content culled from other NBC Universal divisions, will get a second life as either digital singles (think: longer than an article, shorter than a few chapters) or straight-up eBooks, with about 30 titles slated for this year. The venture, spearheaded by GM Michael Fabiano, will also reportedly serve as a platform for indie authors that rely heavily upon NBC's own archives for sourcing in their work. So, will this brave, new embrace of a 21st century business model manage to wean news junkies off that 24/7 cable drip and back into the Peacock's ~~greedy~~ eager arms? Hard to say until that first title hits virtual stands next month. But when it does, here's to hoping it's more Brian Williams: A Man Mad About Lana Del Rey, than Telemundo: Inside the Telenovela. Just sayin'.

NBC News grows a digital publishing arm, plans 30 titles for 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hulu may not sell after all, bidding drama continues

Lydia Leavitt — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 19:21:00 EST

Hulu has been dressed in its Sunday best for some time now hoping to attract potential buyers -- but according to Reuters, a slew of speed bumps have slowed down the process and may even kill all hopes of selling the service. According to sources, the first bump in the road can be attributed to Hulu's owners -- News Corp., Disney, NBC Universal and Providence Equity Partners -- who may not all be on the same page when it comes to selling the service. Without a unified front, it's been hard for the company to find an acceptable offer from the likes of Google, Amazon, DirecTV and Dish Network, who have all talked about bidding between $500 million to $2 billion. As the service awaits a new round of bids next week, it's been said that the major players involved have (unsurprisingly) agreed to reject any lowball offers. Despite a growing numbers of subscribers, it's entirely uncertain whether anyone will step in to clean up the company's hot mess -- we're sure the drama would make for a perfect Hulu Plus exclusive, though.

Hulu may not sell after all, bidding drama continues originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 19:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Netflix, NBCUniversal deal announced; extra $6 a month buys some old eps of The Event

Richard Lawler — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 17:20:00 EST

In case you were wondering what the updated rates are buying, Netflix's first step in making its case for your $7.99 a month in streaming fees appears to be a renewal of its content deal with NBCUniversal. The new deal secures availability of previous seasons of popular shows including 30 Rock, The Office, Psych and other selections we've gotten used to seeing on the service for the next couple of years. There is one notable loss however, as the LA Times points out an arrangement that brought new episodes of Saturday Night Live to the service the day after they aired has come to an end. Rumors had swirled that Netflix could revive The Event after its cancellation by NBC, but while existing episodes will be available there's nothing mentioned about putting it next to the streamer's own House of Cards. Given Comcast (and now NBCU) leader Brian Robert's reference to Netflix as the rerun TV and Netflix CEO Reed Hastings' embracing of the term this deal isn't surprising, but our only question is whether it is enough to keep current subscribers around.

Continue reading New Netflix, NBCUniversal deal announced; extra $6 a month buys some old eps of The Event

New Netflix, NBCUniversal deal announced; extra $6 a month buys some old eps of The Event originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 13 Jul 2011 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Potential Hulu deal with Disney increases ads, value to prospective buyers

Richard Lawler — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 23:02:00 EST

Now that Hulu's owners have apparently decided the best thing to do is sell it to someone else, long arrangements for content are needed to bring the highest price. Bloomberg is reporting that after cutting a deal with Fox a few days ago Hulu has now tentatively reached a deal with another of its owners, Disney. While both arrangements could keep the TV shows flowing, they also reportedly include provisions to increase the number of ads shown on the service. That would also put it in position to reach a similar agreement with Comcast-owned NBCUniversal, because of the media giant's FCC promise to reach similar agreements as its competitors for online content. A change of ownership and including more ad breaks could turn off viewers, but really what else are they going to do, go back to watching Saturday Night Live on TV?

Potential Hulu deal with Disney increases ads, value to prospective buyers originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Jun 2011 23:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NBC Universal wins Olympic broadcasts through 2020, promises all events live starting in 2014

Richard Lawler — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 16:25:00 EST

We've got some bad news if you're not a fan of how NBC covers the Olympics because the IOC just announced NBC Universal has won the rights to broadcast the Games through 2020 with a $4.38 billion bid, winning over rivals ABC/ESPN and Fox. ESPN and Disney had been very upfront about their desire to broadcast the games and mentioned more than once they would provide all the events live the way we prefer to see them. The good news is that according to NBC Sports Group Chairman Mark Lazarus, every event will be aired live on TV or over the internet -- starting in 2014. While Comcast and NBC try to turn things around from the 2010 Games that it lost money broadcasting, we'll probably have to suffer through tape delay one more time for the London Games next summer.

Continue reading NBC Universal wins Olympic broadcasts through 2020, promises all events live starting in 2014

NBC Universal wins Olympic broadcasts through 2020, promises all events live starting in 2014 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NBC Sports Group locks up NHL broadcasts for 10 years, plans to rename Versus

Richard Lawler — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 22:53:00 EST

While we enjoy the NHL Playoffs, the NBC Sports Group (which now includes Versus thanks to the whole merger with Comcast) has announced a 10-year TV deal (rumored to be worth around $2 billion) with the league that keeps NBC and Versus as the exclusive broadcast homes for pro hockey. Beyond just broadcast, the deal also covers digital rights across "all platforms and devices" and includes provisions for more special event games, check the press release after the break for more details. Broadcasting & Cable mentions chairman Dick Ebersol said on a conference call Versus is also due for a rebranding now that the merger is completed, so expect a new channel with the letters "NBC" in it -- lets all hope this works out better than "Syfy" -- sometime soon.

Continue reading NBC Sports Group locks up NHL broadcasts for 10 years, plans to rename Versus

NBC Sports Group locks up NHL broadcasts for 10 years, plans to rename Versus originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 22:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Time Warner Cable's app adds new live TV channels to watch on your iPad

Richard Lawler — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 13:34:00 EST

Disputes with Fox, Viacom and Discovery caused Time Warner to pull 11 of the 32 original channels from its live TV streaming TWCable TV app yesterday, but as promised it has brought in some new ones to replace them. Among the 17 channels added are several networks from the ABC/Disney group including ABC Family, Disney, Disney XD and ESPNnews, plus NBC Universal selections like MSNBC, Syfy and USA as well as the curious addition of Fox News. We're still not convinced watching TV on our tablet is a more useful development than using it as a remote/couch companion but until those features arrive or the app gets sued out of existence, that's what this one does. Check the full list of new channels after the break or on the TWCable Untangled blog.

Update: There's no word from Time Warner, but Multichannel News reports five more new channels have been added this afternoon - Bloomberg TV, PBS Kids Sprout, Hallmark Movie Channel, Current TV and TruTV. Turner also stated TBS will join them once the app supports MLB blackout restrictions, which is also the reason why other ESPN stations aren't included yet.

Continue reading Time Warner Cable's app adds new live TV channels to watch on your iPad

Time Warner Cable's app adds new live TV channels to watch on your iPad originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 13:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Comcast CEO talks about the merger, 'cool new devices' like the iPad and why he doesn't fear Netflix

Richard Lawler — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 23:16:00 EST

Now that the world has had a few weeks to get used to the new Comcast/NBC collabo (but not that ugly purple logo), CEO Brian Roberts talked to the Wall Street Journal about plans for the future, including his claim that Netflix is actually a good thing for his company. Roberts referred to Netflix as the new version of reruns, and explained his view that it raises the value of NBCUniversal's content while reiterating statements made earlier about lower-than-expected subscriber losses being tied more to the economy than anything else. Beyond the soft jabs, he discounted the possibility that Comcast might launch its own internet video service for non-cable subscribers, pushing the vision of adding internet video streaming options for existing customers and explaining how they'd "be able to use the devices that are cool and new, that they typically purchased themselves, to now control and interact with the device they also love, which is a brand new high def 3-D TV." Of course, it doesn't look like we're closer to choosing our own UI for browsing content, but with nicely designed apps for tablets, phones and connected TVs maybe the platform for future innovation he references has something for us to look forward to after all -- we'd consider new cable boxes that don't suck to be a good start.

Comcast CEO talks about the merger, 'cool new devices' like the iPad and why he doesn't fear Netflix originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 23:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Comcast's NBC Universal takeover becomes official tonight

Richard Lawler — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 18:26:00 EST

By the stroke of midnight tonight, it will be officially done, Comcast will have taken control of NBC Universal, paying general electric $6.5 billion and tossing its own cable channels into the new NBCUniversal joint venture. It's been a long ride, from the first rumor, to an agreement, to a review period by the government that stretched over all of last year. Just a few months ago it was tough to imagine Versus and Syfy sharing a home and yet, here we are. Here's a quick recap of some of the milestones along the way, although exactly how this will impact the future of video via broadcast, cable and internet remains to be seen.

Update: It's done, the official press release follows after the break.

10/1/09 - Comcast denies possible purchase of NBC, claims it can only offer a window
12/1/09 - Comcast deal to buy NBC is done, will be announced Thursday
12/3/09 - Comcast takes control of NBC, promises not to crush Hulu
03/12/10 - NBC-Comcast deal comes under Justice Department, FCC scrutiny
12/25/10 - FCC proposes rules for NBC-Comcast deal
01/18/11 - FCC approves Comcast's purchase of NBC (Update: Justice Department too, it's done)

Continue reading Comcast's NBC Universal takeover becomes official tonight

Comcast's NBC Universal takeover becomes official tonight originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Jan 2011 18:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FCC approves Comcast's purchase of NBC (Update: Justice Department too, it's done)

Nilay Patel — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 14:22:00 EST

No huge surprise here, but the FCC just approved Comcast's purchase of NBC Universal by a 4-1 vote. Details of the ruling aren't out yet, but FCC chairman Julius Genachowski had been pushing for strong regulations forbidding Comcast from cutting itself sweetheart deals on NBC content or prioritizing its own video traffic on its pipes, so we'd assume that's part of the agreement here. The only nay vote was from Commissioner Michael Copps, who said the deal "opens the door to the cable-ization of the open Internet." Ouch. We'll let you know when we find out exactly what the FCC's actual conditions are -- and keep in mind this deal won't be wrapped until the Justice Department weighs in, which is expected to happen next week. Can we say it? Oh, we're going to say it: stay tuned!

Update: That was fast, as Comcast/NBCU announced it's received permission from the Justice Department as well. Check out the triumphant press release after the break or scour the official site for more details on what conditions may have applied. There will also be a conference call at 4 p.m. so let us know what else you may be interested in finding out before then. So far details include a promise of a "focused mechanism for online video providers to obtain access to certain NBC Universal content," and that the newly formed entity will retain its economic stake in Hulu, while giving up its voting and board representation rights.

Continue reading FCC approves Comcast's purchase of NBC (Update: Justice Department too, it's done)

FCC approves Comcast's purchase of NBC (Update: Justice Department too, it's done) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 14:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Time Warner, Disney and News Corp. bigwigs speak up against FCC stipulations in Comcast-NBC deal

Darren Murph — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 17:09:00 EST

Hello, inevitable. It simply had to happen, and now, it is. As Comcast, NBC and the FCC attempt to work out stipulations over Comcast's proposed 51 percent buyout of NBC Universal, a smattering of major media companies are paying close attention to the play-by-play. Naturally, the precedents that are set from this deal will affect future agreements of this caliber, and lobbyists for both Disney and News Corp. (as well as Time Warner CEO Jeff Bewkes) aren't standing over on the sidelines any longer. All three outfits have reportedly been "voicing their concerns this week with the FCC, worried that such conditions could undermine their own efforts to profit from the nascent online video industry."

We're told that the media mega-corps are worried that the rules -- if hammered down -- could interfere with ongoing negotiations with online video providers, and in turn, give them less leverage to monetize and control their content on the world wide web. In other words, if NBC Universal is forced to provide content fluidly to all ISPs (and not just Comcast), what's to say other content makers and internet providers wouldn't also be forced into similar deals, regardless of whether or not they're involved in takeover negotiations? Needless to say, we're nowhere near the end of this journey, and while the nuts and bolts are pretty dry to think about, the outcomes could have a serious impact on our future viewing habits.

Time Warner, Disney and News Corp. bigwigs speak up against FCC stipulations in Comcast-NBC deal originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 17:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FCC proposes rules for NBC-Comcast deal

Joseph L. Flatley — Sat, 25 Dec 2010 06:15:00 EST

As you can imagine, the thought of a marriage between a broadband / cable TV service provider and a content provider for television and movies has more than a few folks concerned, which is why it's taken a while for the FCC and its erstwhile chairman Julius "Caesar" Genachowski to draft the conditions under which it would let Comcast snatch up 51 percent of NBC Universal. According to the Wall Street Journal, the FCC wants to require that Comcast make any content owned by itself and NBCU available to competitors (including streaming video providers) "at reasonable, nondiscriminatory terms." Additionally, Comcast will be barred from prioritizing its own video streams above others or interfering with rival Internet traffic. Of course, without the actual announcement, it's hard to know what impact this will have on everyone involved (especially Hulu), although with any luck the actual proposal will see the light of day soon enough. Even then, it will need to be approved, which could happen early next year.

FCC proposes rules for NBC-Comcast deal originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 25 Dec 2010 06:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Regulators push for tough conditions in Comcast / NBC deal, aim to protect internet video

Darren Murph — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 18:36:00 EST

Is it the deal that'll never go through? Some might hope. For the better part of this year, Comcast has been jonesing to pick up a 51 percent stake in NBC Universal (for a cool $13.75 billion), but as you'd expect regulators have been poking and prodding the arrangement from just about every angle. The potential antitrust issues go on for miles, and now officials are paying particularly close attention to how the deal could shape the future of internet video. As you may or may not know, NBC holds a 32 percent stake in Hulu, and in theory, a Comcast buyout would enable it to limit access to other ISPs or force Comcast internet subscribers to also pay for a programming package in order to have access. A new AP report on the topic mentions that the US government is considering forcing Comcast to sell NBC's Hulu stake as a stipulation for the deal to go through, and moreover, they may insist that Comcast provide online access to NBC Universal's content library without a cable sub. Currently, Time Warner Cable requires users to sign up cable in order to access ESPN3 -- a nasty, strong-arm tactic at its finest -- and if the Fed gets its way, it could also set a new precedent for other operators. Needless to say, there's quite a bit to be sorted before NBC bigwigs take on corner offices at Comcast, and there's an awful lot at stake along the way.

Regulators push for tough conditions in Comcast / NBC deal, aim to protect internet video originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Dec 2010 18:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Regulators perturbed by Comcast's executive reshuffling, NBC Universal takeover to blame

Darren Murph — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 18:35:00 EST

Hold your horses, Bubsy. While it looked like there were but a few Is to dot and Ts to cross before Comcast's takeover of NBC Universal was official, folks in high places are now shaking their heads at a recent decision by the carrier. As the story goes, Comcast and NBC Universal are still in talks with the government over the proposed takeover, and it seems that a few wires were crossed in recent days; Comcast decided to announce a new management slate for NBC Universal just a few days ago, despite the fact that the takeover hasn't actually been green-lit. According to an inside report over at The New York Times, one unnamed official in Washington had this to say: "For a deal this large, and one that hasn't been approved, Comcast's behavior is presumptuous and arrogant." Of course, it's not like this trigger-pulling in and of itself is reason for the whole deal to collapse, but it certainly won't make things any easier on either company. So much for taking on those new roles (and accompanying raises) prior to Turkey Day, huh?

Regulators perturbed by Comcast's executive reshuffling, NBC Universal takeover to blame originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 18:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Netflix, NBC Universal content deal brings Battlestar Galactica, SNL and more to Watch Instantly

Richard Lawler — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 06:16:00 EST

Just in case a throwaway mention of a streaming-only subscription for US customers wasn't enough, an agreement adding plenty of recognizable content from NBC to its Watch Instantly service might help Netflix distract from a recent string of PR gaffes. Starting next week, cable shows from the media giant's stable like Psych, Battlestar Galactica and others, episodes from the most recent seasons of NBC shows including The Office and 30 Rock will be available. Not good enough? Why not throw in every season of Friday Night Lights and Saturday Night Live, with new eps of SNL added the day after they air for the next three years. Seems like a win/win to us, with many hours of new content for Netflix while NBC cashes a fat check for old seasons of Monk and Law & Order:SVU -- as much as we love Tony Shalhoub as a neurotic private investigator, those DVD boxed sets just weren't moving like they used to. The only question left is whether HD streaming for any of these is on deck, until we hear back just check out the full press release after the break.

Continue reading Netflix, NBC Universal content deal brings Battlestar Galactica, SNL and more to Watch Instantly

Netflix, NBC Universal content deal brings Battlestar Galactica, SNL and more to Watch Instantly originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 06:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NBC Universal says 99-cent rentals would 'devalue' content, News Corp calls them a 'short-term test'

Sean Hollister — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 22:29:00 EST

ABC and Fox may have been willing to part with their TV shows for 99 cents a pop on the new Apple TV and at Amazon, but don't be surprised if NBC Universal fails to join their ranks. "We do not think 99 cents is the right price point for our content," said CEO Jeff Zucker at an investor conference earlier this week, noting that NBC shows are indeed present on iTunes for those willing to shell out $1.99. That's not the only bad news for video-on-demand enthusiasts, as News Corporation is apparently reconsidering its stance -- though subsidiary Fox is presently dishing out 99-cent shows, president Chase Carey called its involvement a "short-term test." Guess that brave new world of cheap streaming is still a ways off, eh?

NBC Universal says 99-cent rentals would 'devalue' content, News Corp calls them a 'short-term test' originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 22:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NBC and Time Warner inform Apple they'll be sticking to Flash, thank you very much

Vlad Savov — Thu, 27 May 2010 13:55:00 EST

When the iPad bandwagon was launched in late January, ABC and Netflix quickly jumped onboard with tailor-made apps, while CBS and others started transitioning their content to HTML5-compliant formats, all in the name of not being left behind by the revolution. As it turns out, however, some content providers will be letting this ride pass them by, at least for the moment. The New York Post today reports that big media heavyweights Time Warner and NBC Universal have turned their noses up at the iPad's high entry demands and will be sticking to what works:

Sources said several large media companies, including Time Warner and NBC Universal, told Apple they won't retool their extensive video libraries to accommodate the iPad, arguing that such a reformatting would be expensive and not worth it because Flash dominates the Web.

According to the NYP article, these conglomerates have been emboldened by the forthcoming arrival of competing tablets from the likes of Dell and HP, and will be seeking their fortunes in the mobile space atop Adobe's winged stallion of web domination that we commonly know as Flash. This is a decision sure to end in tears -- we just don't know who'll be doing the crying when it all shakes out.

NBC and Time Warner inform Apple they'll be sticking to Flash, thank you very much originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 May 2010 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hulu Plus subscription service rumored: $9.95 a month for access to older shows

Darren Murph — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 04:22:00 EST

We had a sinking feeling from day one that this so-called "evil plot to destroy the world" was really just an evil plot to eventually invade our wallets, and unfortunately for the freeloaders in attendance, it's looking all the more likely that at least some portion of Hulu won't be free for much longer. We heard back in January that bigwigs surrounding the streaming service were tossing around various pay-for-access schemes, and now the LA Times has it that a bona fide subscription service could go into effect as early as May 24th. Under the terms, which were disclosed by those oh-so-knowledgeable "people familiar with the matter," viewers would be asked to pay $9.95 per month for access to episodes that weren't brand new. We're told that Hulu would continue to provide the five most recent episodes of hit shows for free, but a Hulu Plus pass would be required to view shows older than that. Not surprisingly, Hulu failed to comment on the allegations, but it's safe to say we'll know exactly how legitimate the claims are in just over a month.

Hulu Plus subscription service rumored: $9.95 a month for access to older shows originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Apr 2010 04:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hulavision sues NBC Universal, Hulu stuck in the middle with gloom

Ross Miller — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 22:47:00 EST

Ask Hulavision founder Errol Hula, and he'll tell you Hulu is a stolen idea, from concept to even the similarities in name. He's so confident, in fact, that he and his company have filed a lawsuit against NBC Universal, claiming a series of meetings (all under the umbrella of a nondisclosure agreement) with the media conglomerate and business development exec Raymond Vergel de Dios laid the foundation for its eventual web portal. The suit runs the gamut of brokenhearted business fellows: misappropriation of trade secrets, breach of contract (both implied and the NDA), breach of a confidential relationship, unfair competition, unjust enrichment, and stolen ice cream on the playground. The suit seeks unspecified damages. Given the nature of these things, we doubt the two will ever get the point of actual courtroom entanglement, but if it does... can we get it streamed?

Hulavision sues NBC Universal, Hulu stuck in the middle with gloom originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 22:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NBC-Comcast deal comes under Justice Department, FCC scrutiny

Joseph L. Flatley — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:24:00 EST

We can't say we didn't warn you. Looks like the kids at Comcast have to answer some questions over at the Justice Department -- and the FCC -- before they get their hands on NBC. Both agencies have pledged to "examine the transaction closely," says AP, being ever-vigilant as they are to protect consumers and competition in this free market society of ours. The review could last upwards of a year, but if that means that 2011 could see the debut of NBC-Universal's "Comcastic!" theme parks, it will all have been worth it.

NBC-Comcast deal comes under Justice Department, FCC scrutiny originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Telemundo lines up all HD programming for primetime

Richard Lawler — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:19:00 EST

Not even a year after it began national HDTV broadcasts, Telemundo has announced its entire primetime programming schedule will be broadcast in high definition once Donde Esta Elisa premieres March 8. It's become the first Spanish language network in the U.S. to achieve the feat (it's alright Univision, at least you have the World Cup) and is a move we're sure fellow telenovela fans will appreciate. Now all we need to find out is where is Elisa?

Telemundo lines up all HD programming for primetime originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hulu to stream reality show internationally, incessantly

Joseph L. Flatley — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:07:00 EST

See this forlorn-looking male model? He's got a lot on his mind. Really, he's just like the rest of us -- a starry-eyed dreamer who's headed to Hollywood in search of fame and fortune. To this end, he's shacked up with four fellow photogenic wannabes in a Hollywood crash pad where they'll be webcast 24-7 for Simon Fuller's new Internet-only talent show, If I Can Dream. In addition to weekly episodes broadcast on Hulu, ~~voyeurs~~ viewers will be able to watch the action in the house live, as it goes down. You see, Hulu (who's not had much luck getting a foothold outside of the states) will be streaming the thing to select international markets in an attempt to spread their brand and influence worldwide. Will it work? Who knows? Besides, Jersey Shore is more our speed. PR, video after the break.

Continue reading Hulu to stream reality show internationally, incessantly

Hulu to stream reality show internationally, incessantly originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Poll: How do you feel about Comcast buying NBC?

Richard Lawler — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 14:31:00 EST

Comcast has agreed to take a controlling interest of NBC from GE and whether the company has a can of Raid waiting for Hulu or not, there's a lot of potential reactions to this new deal. Some have the opinion that another team to take on the Disney-ABC-ESPN combination could help keep prices down for everyone, while others can't see how the government should allow so many media and communication outlets to be controlled by one company. So let's have it, what were you thinking when you heard about the buyout?

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Poll: How do you feel about Comcast buying NBC? originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Comcast takes control of NBC, promises not to crush Hulu

Joseph L. Flatley — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:29:00 EST

As expected, Comcast announced its buyout of NBC this morning, and we have a few details of interest to Engadget readers and fans of rom-coms alike. Essentially, Comcast now owns 51 percent of NBC-Universal to GE's 49 percent and will manage the entity -- leveraging the newly acquired content with their infrastructure. On an investor call (reported by All Things Digital) a short time ago, Comcast CEO Brian Roberts emphasized that the company bought "a bunch of profitable cable channels" and "some theme parks, too" (we think that last part was a joke). Not so funny, of course, is the film studio that's seen better years and the broadcast network that's been described elsewhere as "faltering." When asked about TV Everywhere and Hulu, Comcast COO Steve Burke notes that "NBC has been careful not to put too much cable content on the Internet. We think that's a smart strategy... We think that going forward, you're going to continue to have free broadcast stuff on Hulu, and cable stuff on TV Everywhere." As for rumors of Hulu Premium? "That's certainly not in the cards." ~~Web-based TV fanatics will be pleased to note that Roberts appears to be in your court: "We love Hulu and have no intent to crush it like a bug."~~ That's all well and good, but as we know nothing's final until the government has its say: the FCC, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Justice Department are all sure to have strongly held opinions on the matter. PR after the break.

Update: The "crush it like a bug" comment was actually just some editorializing from Peter Kafka at All Things Digital -- but we're certain Steve Burke has only love in his heart for Hulu.

Continue reading Comcast takes control of NBC, promises not to crush Hulu

Comcast takes control of NBC, promises not to crush Hulu originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Comcast deal to buy NBC is done, will be announced Thursday

Nilay Patel — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:10:00 EST

We told you we had a feeling this thing was happening -- less than a day after GE consolidated ownership of NBC Universal in preparation to spin it off and sell a controlling stake to Comcast, CNBC is reporting that the deal is actually done and will be announced Thursday morning. As rumored from the start, Comcast will now own 51 percent of NBC to GE's 49 percent, and the new company will fold in Comcast's various content assets, which means the new NBC will rival Disney in size. That's a big enchilada, and it should make the future of Comcast initiatives like TV Everywhere extremely interesting. Of course, all this still has to go through the FCC and FTC, and we wouldn't expect anything to be approved and finalized for a year, but none of that takes away from the magnitude of this deal. We'll obviously know more in a couple days, stay tuned.

Comcast deal to buy NBC is done, will be announced Thursday originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Comcast looking to buy NBC?

Nilay Patel — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:02:00 EST

Not sure how a story like this snuck under the radar on Friday, but the WSJ reports that Comcast and NBC are in the early stages of a buyout offer -- Comcast's plan is to control 51 percent of a new joint venture with current NBC owner GE. Needless to say, that would be a massive content industry shakeup, and it would bring over two dozen networks and stations under Comcast's control, from E! to NBC itself, as well as the Universal movie studio. Sure brings that whole TV Everywhere plan into sharp relief, doesn't it? Talks are said to be far apart and contigent on Comcast maintaining its credit rating by putting as little cash upfront as possible, but big companies like this don't poke around lightly -- we'll see how this one turns out.

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Comcast looking to buy NBC? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Comcast denies possible purchase of NBC, claims it can only offer a window

Richard Lawler — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:27:00 EST

Surprising absolutely no one who has ever waited for a repair or installation, an internet rumor Wednesday suggested Comcast is in talks to take advantage of an oddly scheduled window of availability to purchase NBC Universal. Whether it shows up on time is still up in the air, but with ownership of the media group divided 80/20 by GE and Vivendi the rumored deal would be worth $35 billion, with around $7 billion due Vivendi during this annual period when it can exercise a put option on the shares it owns. Time Warner and DirecTV owner Liberty Media have also been rumored as suitors, can anyone imagine NBC and Syfy under the same umbrella as Versus?

Filed under: Industry, NBC, Cable

Comcast denies possible purchase of NBC, claims it can only offer a window originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Disney grabs a piece of Hulu

Richard Lawler — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 16:53:00 EST

Just as we'd heard, Disney has worked out a deal with Hulu that includes taking a piece of the streaming video site, joining NBC Universal, News Corporation and Providence Equity Partners as owners and bringing Disney TV shows and movies to the site. Expect Lost, Desperate Housewives, Greek, General Hospital and the like so show up after the deal closes, no word on any delay periods and the only content not mentioned in the deal appears to be ESPN related properties. Also sadly missing from the announcement? Any word of increased HD streaming on Hulu, lets hope they take a page from ABC.com and get right on that.

Filed under: Industry, Internet

Disney grabs a piece of Hulu originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Apr 2009 16:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Battlestar Galactica Complete Series Blu-ray release confirmed

Richard Lawler — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 13:47:00 EST

Waiting for Battlestar Galactica to come home properly has been the source of heartbreak more than once so far, but the upcoming Caprica DVD appears to confirm rumors we'll be seeing a full series Blu-ray set sooner rather than later. Internet rumors have pegged the date as July 28, and on the prequel's DVD release a promo is included referencing the complete series coming soon on DVD and Blu-ray high def, so get your pennies together, while it will certainly be expensive this should be the one that's worth buying -- if they didn't get rid of the technology for disc packaging yet.

Filed under: Blu-ray

Battlestar Galactica Complete Series Blu-ray release confirmed originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 13:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sci Fi Channel being rebranded as Syfy

Darren Murph — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 04:20:00 EST

You've got to love those marketing folks, right? In an effort to grab an "ownable trademark" that will be more easily recognized on EPGs and online video portals such as iTunes and Hulu, NBC Universal has decided it best to rebrand Sci Fi Channel as 'Syfy.' Phonetically, everything remains the same, but it's the visual difference that counts. The change is expected to take place on July 7th here in the US, with other regions following suit in Q3. We're still not sure we're hot on the whole MHD-to-Palladia thing, but we kind of dig this change -- agree / disagree?

Filed under: Misc, NBC, Advertising

Sci Fi Channel being rebranded as Syfy originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Mar 2009 04:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NBC Universal content now available on PlayStation Network

Nilay Patel — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:47:00 EST

Good news for Playstation 3 owners -- NBC and Sony have just announced that NBC Universal content is now available on the PlayStation Network. In addition to NBC shows like The Office, 30 Rock, and Heroes, new movie releases like Milk and Role Models will hit PSN day and date with the DVD release, and back-catalog titles like The 40-Year Old Virgin and The Big Lebowski should already be up. Pricing is ballpark with the competition: $2.99 to $5.99 for SD and HD rentals, and $9.99 to $14.99 for SD and HD purchases. Not bad, but we won't be happy until these fools drop the shenanigans and give us what we really want: Hulu. Make it happen, guys.

Filed under: Media streamers, NBC, Internet

NBC Universal content now available on PlayStation Network originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NBC Universal content now available on PlayStation Network

Nilay Patel — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:47:00 EST

Filed under: Gaming, Home Entertainment

NBC Universal content now available on PlayStation Network originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UK Xbox Live users gain access to NBC Universal films

Darren Murph — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 13:40:00 EST

Yeah, this is as international as international gets, but it's simply too high-impact to wait for a weekly roundup. Announced at a London event by UK Head of Xbox Neil Thompson, Xbox Live users in the United Kingdom will finally have access to NBC Universal films. The move comes nearly a year after this same announcement was made in the US, and while there's been no word yet, we're crossing our fingers that the pond jump is just one of many that'll take place.

[Via Joystiq]

Filed under: Other hardware, NBC

UK Xbox Live users gain access to NBC Universal films originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Feb 2009 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GE lets loose premium details about premium HDTV line

Darren Murph — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 23:59:00 EST

When we heard last September that General Electric was aiming to enter the "premium" HDTV market, we all had a brief laugh and continued on about our day. Apparently, our doubts are completely unfounded. According to an interview with numerous GE executives tied in with the initiative, the GE-branded sets will be serious contenders. In fact, bigwigs are hoping to make their sets "a top-tier brand that rivals the likes of Sony, Samsung, and Sharp." The secret sauce is the differentiation, as GE is looking to stuff internet connectivity, wireless audio and many other "advanced features" onto its sets in order to show up rivals. Among the early prototypes shown at CES earlier this month was a 46-inch HDTV with a GLT edgelight that utilized white Luminus LEDs and GLT's lightguide blades. It's also looking to expand into wireless video boxes with 1080i support, which means the sky really could be the limit here. Obviously, we're keeping our skeptic hats on until a commercial device hits the market, but you can definitely color us intrigued.

[Image courtesy of DecoRadios]

Filed under: Displays, Others

GE lets loose premium details about premium HDTV line originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Jan 2009 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cablevision gets official with four NBC Universal HD channels

Darren Murph — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 19:00:00 EST

We absolutely knew they were on the way, but if you needed a little affirmation from the carrier itself, Cablevision has announced today that it's adding four more high-definition channels to its iO TV lineup. Effective immediately, customers can expect to see Bravo HD (745), CNBC HD (771), SciFi HD (748) and USA HD (738) in the EPG, bringing the grand total to a very respectable 68 high-def networks. There's no word on when the next batch will arrive, but why not enjoy these for a minute before hankering for more?

Filed under: Cable, New content

Cablevision gets official with four NBC Universal HD channels originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IMMI tracks ad exposure / effectiveness via cellphone, trips privacy alarms everywhere

Darren Murph — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 22:59:00 EST

Hunker down and find that tin foil cap, pronto! Privacy advocates, we've a new target for you to bang on: Integrated Media Measurement. The 4,900-person media research company is looking to take advertising measurement to a whole new level (or new low, as it were) by embedding tracking modules within cellphones. In short, the module picks up audio from ads and records information about the exposure; in the future, if you were to purchase whatever product you heard about (like seeing a movie that was plugged), it would register a hit and deem you a sucker. As of now, the only testers with these freaky phones are individuals who signed up for this stuff, but you better believe major marketing firms (and TV / movie studios in particular) are perking their ears up and begging to know more.

[Image courtesy of Corbis, thanks ugotamesij]

Filed under: Culture, Multimedia, Software, Misc

IMMI tracks ad exposure / effectiveness via cellphone, trips privacy alarms everywhere originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Oct 2008 22:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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